wild_in97

I told you I travel often. I will be going to Spokane this next trip. That is in Washington state and it the state is not that big............so I guess I will be fairly close to your doctor. How long does it take to get in to see him??? How long will it take to see if insurance pays anything???? Well, it probably can not be done in that trip, but I do travel in that direction often. We have a home in Northern Idaho.............I love the GREAT Northwest. God bless

Lisa, who is your doctor? Where is he? I want one that will take every precaution possible. Thanks for your response. It makes some sense. I am just now in the research phase of this possibility. Tell me as much about your doctor as possible. I don't mind going out of my geographical location for a good doctor. Heck I just got back from a 2600 mile trip and will be taking two more trips similar in distance within the next few weeks. So, I don't mind traveling at all for the "right" doc. Thanks

Did you really read what I wrote? Because you did not answer my question. I am not even banded yet............ Thanks..........

Why don't the surgeons anchor the band to prevent common slippage. I have read that many times when the band slips, they go back in and anchor it, so why don't they do that the first time? It seems it would save a lot of pain, and money for those paying for the surgery. Can and will you answer this question? I am not banded yet and the reason is the money involved and the possibility of a second and third surgery due to slippage. I am not sure the insurance will pay for it. I am fairly healthy though I am overweight. The woman answering my questions at one doctors office said I needed to gain 10 more pounds if I don't have at least two serious health problems due to my obesity. Do I really want two serious health problems on my record for insurance purposes? Will they consider health issues in the family? My mother had diabetes II and heart disease.......but I don't yet. They are getting ready to grade us for health insurance just like they do for car insurance. I know my weight will be a factor in that grading.......... I can not afford a slippage for any reason if I get this surgery. Even if insurance pays for the majority of it, I can not miss that much work. Can they anchor the band the first time? What can I do to make sure they do this? Why don't they automatically do this? Thanks

Well, I am still in the decision mode. I can not bring myself to spend that kind of money..........or should I say put us in more debt for something that has a chance of being a total failure. I can not find anyone that will guarantee you lose, I am not sure my insurance will pay and I feel so totally alone in this. My husband of 30 years has never ever had a weight problem. He tries to understand, but just does not. He eats whatever he wants and as much as he wants and just never gains weight. He knows and sees me struggle with this and tries to be very sympathetic. He has told me to do the surgery, even if we have to go into more debt, but I am really struggling with this decision. I do not feel comfortable around people any more and I am so very embarrassed that I am going to run into my old friends. I have always struggled with weight problems, but it seems things are just out of hand. I just feel so guilty. I am scared to go to Mexico for the surgery, and hate to spend twice the money in the states. Then, I read about others that have to have a second or third surgery because of slippage. You would think the doctors would anchor the band while they were in there the first time. Anyhow, you guys give me some feedback if you can identify with where I am. I am not comfortable with my life right now........and all of it is due to my weight of 232. I am miserable. I really feel bad because my husband is really good looking and such a great guy. I feel like when people meet us, they wonder why he stays with someone like me. Am I just rambling and making no sense whatsoever???? I will shush now.

Hi, I have several questions for you. I really hope you don't mind. I have recently joined this group and need some questions answered. I noticed your BMI was only 35-36. Are you paying for this surgery out of your own pocket? Did you attempt to get your insurance to help you and got no assistance? Do you mind telling me how much this is costing you? Maybe you are just independently wealthy and money is not an issue at all. I have been looking at the prices of this surgery here in the U.S. and it is anywhere between $15,000 - $22,000. That is a lot of money to me!!!! Maybe I am looking at this all wrong, but the thought of spending that kind of money on myself makes me feel so guilty. Does anyone else here have any similar feelings? I have not even gone to a medical doctor for this procedure, because of this total feeling of guilt and lonliness in this entire matter. You ladies seem to be able to express yourself better than I do concerning this matter. I am just totally depressed and anxious about the entire ordeal........Please address some of these feelings and concerns. :help::help:

What is Apron surgery??? Does everyone have to do this in two stages? Are you concerned about doing this with Drs. from Mexico??? How much will these two procedures cost you? Do you mind me asking all of these questions. I have just started considering this and am scared of wasting my money and scared of hurting my health. Why do you feel confident in the MX doctors? Please, I am so new at this and have many concerns and questions. I don't mean to be nosey, just trying to get some answers to some difficult questions. I don't even know what questions I should be asking. How long does it take once you decide you are going to MX for the surgery for them to do the surgery??? Sorry for so many questions. Wild_in97

Thanks for the info..........I feel I am desperate for a information. The range of cost on this is huge and I feel I am in this all alone. Thanks

It appears I am going to be a self pay person. Can you guys get specific about the money? I have found prices in the U.S. anywhere from $12000 to $22,000 for a lap band surgery. I need this to be the only surgery I ever have to pay for. Please get to the nitty gritty when you talk about prices and the cost of all steps of this procedures. Also, when you finish with this, is it something you can drive yourself home from or do you need someone else. Please give me details. Money is tight and this is a lot of money. I don't want to have any more regrets in my life.

You are inspiring. However, I am really having a problem wth the money involved. I called an office the other day and they said $17,000. I just became insured and realized my insurance does not cover this. The woman said for it to cover me at all, I would have to be another 10 pounds. But then, I looked up my insurance and I don't think they cover obesity surgery. I am really having a hard time with the cost of this. Is it worth it. That is a lot of money!!!!! I know feeling better is worth a lot. Lord knows I have spend a fortune on my health..............but....... I don't want to be a downer, but I am having such a hard time with it. Can someone tell me of more reasonable rates??? It is a 45 - 60 minute surgery. I am desperate. I would love to look back this time next year as 145 and size 10-12. They can not guarantee it. :girl_hug: